Rev James Stevens
We are looking forward to the arrival of Jim Stevens as the new Rector of the Benefice of Sarratt & Chipperfield, made up of the Parishes of St Paul’s, Chipperfield, & Holy Cross, Sarratt.
His Institution will be on Saturday 12 March and will be in two parts, the first at Holy Cross from 4.00pm & the second in St Paul’s from 5.00pm.
Afterwards refreshments will be available in Chipperfield Village Hall, with a chance to meet Jim & his wife Judy informally.
Space may be somewhat limited in both churches. In order to avoid disappointment, admission to both churches will be by ticket only. Tickets for both or either parts of the service will be available via the churchwardens of both churches.
Churchyard Graves
We put a note in the December issue of Chipperfield News pointing out that St Albans Diocese has certain standards regarding the type of grave that may be erected in churchyards. We also said that a number of graves in St Paul’s churchyard, put up in the last 3 or 4 years, did not conform to these standards.
As churchwardens, we have had the unenviable task of bringing this to the attention of those concerned. We have requested that the necessary changes, such as removing the items that are not permitted, be made by 20 February. We would like to have this work completed well before the new Rector is installed. We would like to thank those who have co-operated in this.
We are very aware that this is a sensitive & personal area, & that much thought & expense will have gone into many of the graves that need to be modified. But in the longer term it is necessary that the standards are observed in order to give the graveyard a neat & consistent appearance, & to make maintenance easier. There are also health & safety issues to be considered.
We are grateful to those who attend graves & help to keep the churchyard presentable. Graveyards are always places that require a lot of work.
Ann Waine & John King, Churchwardens